When you think back to the family car journeys from your childhood, there’s a good chance that many of them were spent listening to the crackle and whine of a sporting event played out on an old-fashioned medium wave radio.

Given how much the technology in our homes has advanced, it’s surprising how many of us are still using a last generation radio– particularly as DAB upgrades and wireless connectivity for cars are so affordable.

If you think it could be time for an upgrade, here's some helpful tips for choosing a stereo, and some specific recommendations.

Upgrading for sound

Depending on the age of your car, even a modest update could improve the sound.

Even if your car came with a digital radio, it might even be worth upgrading to one that supports DAB+ for even better digital quality and more stations.

What can your car handle?

Car stereos are usually sold in two sizes: either single or double DIN. As a rule, a double DIN stereo will be able to offer you a bigger screen. It’s far easier to create a stereo that offers built-in navigation in a double DIN socket, and with many modern stereos offering video playback when you’re stationary, it’s useful to have the extra screen size.

What to look for in an upgrade

The Sony MEX-N4200BT, £99

If your car stereo doesn’t have Bluetooth built in, then upgrading will give you access to the music on a Bluetooth-equipped phone. That means you'll be able to listen to music streamed from Spotify or Apple Music while you drive.

Many car stereos have a 3.5mm line-in (headphone jack style), while some now offer USB ports. So even if your phone isn't Bluetooth enabled, connecting an iPhone, iPod or Android phone will allow you to play music over the USB connection and keep your phone charged at the same time.

The Sony MEX-N4200BT offers all of the above and costs just £99. There’s even a CD player here for your retro music (so the kids can say, "what’s that funny silver circle?").

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

One of the greatest upgrades you can get for your car is to add support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Stereos that use these are designed to make your phone an important part of your entertainment system - they allow you to navigate, communicate and play music, with intelligent voice control via Bluetooth (Siri with Apple CarPlay or voice control with Android Auto).

You’ll need a recent phone to use either system. CarPlay works on the iPhone 5 and newer, while you need Android Lollipop (version 5) on your phone to use Android Auto. But not all Android phones support Auto, so be sure to check before buying anything.

Some stereos support both CarPlay and Android Auto while some only offer one or the other. Again, it’s wise to check before you buy - Halfords experts can help you choose the right stereo for both your car and phone.

Once connected to either system, you’ll be presented with a selection of apps: Google Maps for navigation on Android or Apple Maps on an iPhone.

You can also access your music and podcasts through the clear and intuitive interface. Many systems will also give you hands-free calling and voice-activated features like Siri.

Touching your phone while driving is now illegal, but upgrading allows you to still use your phone while staying within the law. Being able to change songs using Siri or say “OK, Google, send a message to Mum,” is really great if you’re running late and don’t want to stop to safely use your phone.

King of them all

Simply connect a compatible iPhone or Android phone using a single USB cable, which will allow you to control Apple CarPlay and Waze (Via AppRadio Mode +) from your dashboard for a convenient and safe experience.

It plays DAB/DAB+ digital Radio, and audio/video content from USB devices. Additionally, this digital car stereo features Bluetooth, allowing you to stream your music or take hands-free calls over a wireless connection.

Don’t worry about fitting

There’s no need to worry about installing a new radio, which is more work than most people want to do themselves. Instead, get a Halfords expert to do the hard work for you. Experienced staff can neatly fit your new stereo and their work is guaranteed for 12 months – prices start at £30.

Make sure you are Really Ready For Summer with Halfords. Visit www.halfords.com or go in-store for full details on all offers and services.